Forest of Compiegne

A forest as replete with historical significance as it is with oak and beech lined trail-ways, the Foret de Compiegne lies approximately 60 km (37 miles) north of downtown Paris. Here in this 14,414 hectare (35,620 acres) woods, both the Armistice of 1918 and of 1940 were signed, the one ending the first World War and the other (much less enjoyably) surrendering France to Nazi rule 22 years later.

And though the original train car in which these historic events took place is no longer in existence, what IS at visitors' disposal is a scenic array of well worn trails and foot paths, adequate for "hiking" but especially popular among bikers around the French capital. We're talking 1,000+ km of wooded trails here, folks, including a 25 km (17 mile) loop from Compiègne to Pierrefonds. If you've got the nag to get out on two wheels, treat yourself to a relatively flat but enjoyable ride through this historic grove.